Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (blaCTX-M-1 and blaTEM) in Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from poultry in North Eastern India

Aim: The present study was conducted to record the association of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing enteric bacteria with diarrhea of poultry birds in Mizoram, India. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from poultry birds with the history of diarrhea from different parts of Mizoram. Samples were processed for isolation and identification of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All the isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity assays. Phenotypically, ESBLs production ability was determined by double discs synergy test (DDST) method. ESBLs producing isolates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of ESBLs genes. Plasmids were cured by acridine orange. Transfer of resistance from donor to recipient strains was done by in vitro horizontal method. Results: A total of 134 enteric bacteria was isolated, of which 102 (76.12%), 21 (15.67%) and 11 (8.21%) were E. coli, Salmonella spp. and K. pneumoniae, respectively. By DDST 7 (5.22%) isolates (6 E. coli and 1 K. pneumoniae) were ESBLs producer. PCR analysis confirmed 5 (3.73%) (4 E. coli and 1 K. pneumoniae) isolates harboured blaCTX-M-1 gene and/or blaTEM gene. All the isolates were carrying plasmids ranging between 0.9 kb and ~30 kb. Of the 4 isolates positive for blaCTX-M-1 and/or blaTEM, 2 (1.84%) were confirmed for blaCTX-M-1 gene in their plasmid. No blaTEM gene was detected from plasmid. The resistance plasmid could not be transferred to the recipient by in vitro horizontal gene transfer method. Conclusion: ESBLs producing enteric bacteria are circulating in poultry in North Eastern Region of India. As poultry is one of the most common food animals in this region, these organisms may enter in human population through them.